September 01, 2009

"Shareece didn't get it done," Coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "He didn't get the GPA he needed to get."

Wright, a redshirt junior, sat out last season with a neck injury. He had been projected as a starter. That job will now go to Josh Pinkard, who will move over from safety.

Very disappointing news. Shareece, who sat out most of last season with a neck injury, was poised to have a big season. He's been our best overall corner (perfect compliment to Kevin Thomas who's more of a straight cover corner) in his ability to play tough in bump-and-run and make plays in the flats.

Shareece's academic troubles go as far back as his days at Colton HS. During his recruitment, the coaches slow played his offer because there were questions about whether he would qualify academically. Disappointing to see his academic troubles resurrect in what many expected to be his breakout year.

If there is a silver lining here, Shareece will likely (although it's no lock) come back for his final year at SC. It would make sense since his stock will inevitably drop and the questions of whether his neck injury can withstand a season of football will linger.

From a depth standpoint, thankfully, the defensive backfield is the deepest squad on the team; an area where we go a legit 3-deep. The starting line-up will be Kevin Thomas who'll remain the main cover guy, Josh Pinkard will move to the opposite CB spot from FS, Will Harris will play SS, and Taylor Mays will move back to his original position at FS.

In reserves, you got T.J. Bryant who can step into the starting spot immediately, Marshall Jones and Brian Baucham who are also game-ready, and the freshmen duo of Torin Harris and Byron Moore Jr. who exceeded all expectations during Fall camp.

This group is still tops in the Pac-10, but nationally, you have to give the full nod to Florida now with Janoris and Joe Haden as better cover guys and Will Hill and Major Wright as equally impressive as a group compared to Taylor and Will.